cCmmercial Building Feldeggstrasse | Zurich

General renovation and conversion of a commercial building in Feldeggstrasse | Zurich

2005 - 2009


Project management: Andreas Ambühl, Dipl. Arch. HTL

Photographer: Ruedi Walti, Basel

The Feldeggstrasse real estate was constructed in 1957 as a completely metal-clad building according to plans by Prof. Hans Hofmann. The conversion envisaged adapting to today’s fire-safety requirements, barrier-free access to the building and an extension to the attic area in accordance with building regulations, to enable more sensible use of the existing atrium.
Gentle renovation and modernisation measures were proposed, respecting the authenticity, tension and nature of the building, although the roof extension design represented a structural clarification measure. The previously lacking fire-escape stairs, the building-technology riser zones and the wet rooms were placed in a redesigned core, while a barrier-free emergency escape route was planned for the northern side of the ground floor. The atrium, which was worthy of preservation, was reinterpreted, also for use as an emergency exit. The intended additional utilisation on the attic level was also designed taking fire-safety considerations and the building insurance into account. The walkway around the atrium on the attic level was longitudinally extended by one wing to serve as a cafeteria and provide access to the two office wings.
The new car-park cover marks the entrance to the administrative building and also forms the conclusion of the grounds to the east. It fulfils its function as a roof for the car park, resting on four supports with a projecting form and integrating itself into the environment with its valuable trees and hedges.